swooping around life's little fancies

statement

So today, I’m featuring the Zara laser cutout heels that I’ve been showing for the past few posts, haha.

I thrifted the patterned sweatshirt (What’s the pattern called? Not houndstooth, but something similar…) and…

I wanted something not too crazy to clash with the top today, so I paired it with this statement necklace from Windsor.

The gleam from the stones adds some visual interest, but the fact that it’s in the same color palette as the sweatshirt helps it hang as a subtle piece.

To keep this office-friendly, I paired it with a black pencil skirt from J. Crew (thrifted!) and the heels! 🙂

The pattern makes me so dizzy but deliriously happy inside, haha. I love the coziness of the knit, but do y’all understand when your accessory/a sharp corner of a desk gets caught in the yarn and unravels a part of it? Merp.

Although a rich burgundy is a favorite of mine any day, with spring coming and a whole lot of color with it, a more cheerful red was called for. Wow, that was a long sentence. And I’m not sure it was grammatically correct.

But I digress.

Don’t you love the vibrancy of such a bold color? I used to think I couldn’t pull it off – especially when my nails grew longer (I thought they looked like claws on a carnivorous animal). But I make sure to cut my nails before applying a color such as this one, and it seems to lower the creature-like quality that somehow imprinted on my mind (hehe, do you get it?).

Lesson of the day: don’t be afraid to try new colors! There are certain colors that do work better on certain skin tones, but so many shades exist to match everyone out there. This shade in particular is a Forever21 nail polish with a Seche Vite topcoat (the BEST!) – a combo that never fails to make my nail-heart go pitter patter – just like the rain outside!

And honestly, who likes the “almost look like a complete necklace but throw people off when they notice just one jewel missing”?

I don’t prefer it.

Do you see it? Do you? The one that’s missing?

Le sigh.

Good news – there are (almost) always solutions to the madness!

Here is a quick and easy method to address the issue!

It’s not permanent, but it will keep those with fleeting glances from doing a double take at your neck.

[Step 1] Gather nail polishes in similar shades to the missing jewel.

The cast of characters below are the following:

– Essie’s “Mint Candy Apple”

– Revlon’s “Minted”

– Essie’s “Turquoise and Caicos”

It’s so beautiful :’)

And one member that will help keep this mystery from surfacing again: Seche Vite Top Coat!

[Step 2] Take a note card and jot down the names of the nail polishes (this is only helpful if you have more than one polish similar to the jewel shade).

Aren’t they cute?

[Step 3] Take the nail polishes and swatch each of them on the note card.

This is to help see how the colors dry, and whether color mixing needs to happen to make this project a success.

[Step 4] Find that perfect ratio!

[Step 5] Pull apart the prongs so you can avoid mistakes.

Yes, I know that the nail polish color on my nails perfectly matches the jewel shade.

Unfortunately, I left it elsewhere and could not use it immediately.

So I didn’t.

Eh. Life happens.

[Step 6] Mix a healthy amount of the nail polish together. Please do this in a well-ventilated area.

[Step 7] Fill her up!

And let her dry.

Much better, don’t you think?

[Step 8] Fold the prongs back over the “gem.”

[Step 9] Learn from your past mistakes and make sure to cover each gem with the top coat. This will discourage the prongs from shifting, as well as better adhere the gem to its setting so it won’t run away. ever. again.

It also adds a nice glistening touch!

Of course, you could always roll a piece of clay, paint it, and stick it back in, but…

I don’t know about you, but whenever I see an adorable canine, my heart goes pitter-patter-pitter-patter! I mean, I’m sure it does that all the time. Otherwise, I would be dead. But I especially am aware during these moments.

And maybe you feel the same way? So I put together a casual outfit – perfect for running errands, going on a picnic, or reading a book! – with a darling pup as the focal point!

Except my hair is covering it. But here it is below –

And now for the collective, Awwwwwwwwwwwww!

It’s napping, too!

Pair a dusty orange tank with dark wash denim jeans for a subtle contrast. Adore the juxtaposition of two complementary colors. : )

These boots from Nordstrom Rack have been a winter staple, and I have no shame breaking the news that these are pulled out at least every other day. The rich brown color is so natural and deep… my boots-heart swoons a little every time I zip these up in the back.

And yes, I’m short. I had to cuff these American Eagle jeans to make this happen.

Thought I’d do something a little different and feature a book I have been loving! I read it for the first time several years ago and it stood out to me ever since. Shadow of the Almighty, Elisabeth Elliot, is a biography of her first husband, who loved God more than his own life – and showed it. It’s a striking example of how the love of God can pull sinners (all of us!) from a path to death to a path of life and righteousness, by His sanctifying grace!

So, I’m re-reading it. And I hope you’ll join me!

Aaaaand, I picked up this little beaut from Forever 21 – only $7.80 for a statement necklace! Isn’t it absolutely delightful? So fun and bright. Hopefully, it will be here to stay for a while… Forever 21 isn’t known for long-term utility products.

Also, wordpress.com just informed me that it’s my 1 year anniversary for blogging on this site! How exciting! : )